Austrian Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest (X-Rated)

3 min.

Austrian Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest (X-Rated)

Austria, with its rich cultural heritage and unique dialects of German, offers an array of colorful and expressive swear words. Austrian profanity often mixes humor, creativity, and a touch of rustic charm, reflecting the nation’s straightforward and passionate communication style. Whether you’re venting about Vienna’s public transport, debating football, or joking with friends over Schnitzel and beer, Austrian swear words bring personality and flair to conversations. Here’s your guide to Austrian swearing, ranked from strongest to weakest.

Page Contents

Austrian Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest

The Strongest Swear Words in Austria

1. Fotzn

The Ultimate Insult

“Fotzn,” meaning “c***” or “bitch,” is one of the harshest insults in Austrian German. It’s highly offensive and used to demean someone in a heated argument.

Example:
- “Halt die Fotzn!” (Shut your c*** mouth!)
- “Du blöde Fotzn!” (You stupid bitch!)
Pro Tip: This is extremely vulgar and should only be used in extreme circumstances.

2. Wichser

The Jerk Slam

“Wichser,” meaning “wanker” or “jerk,” is a strong insult often directed at someone annoying or disrespectful.

Example:
- “Hör auf, du Wichser!” (Stop it, you jerk!)
Pro Tip: A common but offensive term—use carefully.

3. Arschloch

The Classic “A**hole”

“Arschloch,” meaning “a**hole,” is a direct insult for someone behaving poorly or rudely.

Example:
- “Was für ein Arschloch!” (What an a**hole!)
Pro Tip: This is offensive but widely used in frustration.

Mid-Tier Austrian Insults (Still Pack a Punch)

4. Scheißdreck

The Shit Slam

“Scheißdreck,” meaning “bullshit” or “crap,” is a versatile swear word to vent frustration or describe something as worthless.

Example:
- “Das ist alles Scheißdreck!” (That’s all bullshit!)

5. Trottel

The Classic Fool

“Trottel,” meaning “idiot” or “moron,” is a sharp insult for someone acting foolishly.

Example:
- “Du bist ein richtiger Trottel!” (You’re such a moron!)

6. Drecksau

The Dirty Pig

“Drecksau,” meaning “dirty pig,” is used to insult someone as filthy or despicable.

Example:
- “Du bist eine Drecksau!” (You’re a dirty pig!)

The Playful and Milder Swears

7. Blödel

The Silly Fool

“Blödel,” meaning “silly” or “fool,” is a mild insult often used jokingly among friends.

Example:
- “Hör auf, du Blödel!” (Stop it, you fool!)

8. Depp

The Mild Fool

“Depp,” meaning “idiot” or “simpleton,” is a common insult used in lighthearted or casual frustration.

Example:
- “Was für ein Depp!” (What an idiot!)

9. Oida

The Viennese Staple

“Oida,” meaning “dude” or “man,” can be used both playfully and as an exclamation of frustration, depending on tone.

Example:
- Playful: “Oida, was geht ab?” (Dude, what’s up?)
- Frustrated: “Oida, was machst du?!” (Man, what are you doing?!)

10. Saukopf

The Pig-Headed One

“Saukopf,” meaning “pig head,” is a playful insult for someone being stubborn or foolish.

Example:
- “Du Saukopf, denk doch nach!” (You pig head, think about it!)

Honorable Mentions

Vollidiot: “Complete idiot.”
Sackl: “Bag,” used as an insult for someone useless.
Kruzifix: An exclamation derived from “crucifix,” used to express annoyance or frustration.

Swearing Pro Tips

Regional Nuances: Many insults, like “Oida” or “Fotzn,” carry different weight depending on the region—be aware of your audience.
Tone and Context Matter: Words like “Trottel” and “Depp” can sound playful or cutting depending on delivery.
Combine for Extra Punch: Mix insults for more impact—e.g., “Du Trottel Wichser!” (You idiot jerk!).

Bonus Word: “Gemütlich”

Not a swear word, but quintessentially Austrian, “Gemütlich” means “cozy” or “comfortable” and reflects Austria’s love for a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Example:
- “Lass uns gemütlich einen Kaffee trinken.” (Let’s enjoy a cozy coffee together.)

Conclusion

Austrian swearing is as lively and expressive as its culture. From the fiery “Fotzn” to the playful “Blödel,” these words capture the humor, frustration, and creativity of Austrian German. Whether you’re joking with friends or venting anger, Austrian profanity is your toolkit. Use them wisely—and viel Glück (good luck)!